Sterile airflow delivery system

ABSTRACT

A system for providing laminar airflow over an operating platform having a top surface and a base. The system includes an airflow delivery apparatus and a return plenum. The airflow delivery apparatus is positioned above the top surface of the operating platform and includes a light assembly and a plurality of vents. The light assembly is configured to direct light toward the operating table. The plurality of vents is positioned around the light source and configured to direct airflow toward the top surface of the operating platform. The return plenum is positioned in the base of the operating platform below the top surface and is configured to receive airflow from around the operating platform in order to achieve laminar airflow around the operating platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present non-provisional patent application claims priority to U.S.provisional patent application titled “LAMINAR FLOW STERILE AIR DELIVERYSYSTEM”, Ser. No. 62/623,196, filed Jan. 29, 2018, the entirety of whichis hereby incorporated by reference into this non-provisional patentapplication.

BACKGROUND

Surgical suites, such as hospital emergency rooms (ERs) and operatingrooms (ORs), are among the most infection-sensitive environments inhealthcare facilities. Surgical procedures increase patientvulnerability to pathogens transmitted from surgical personnel, surgicalequipment, contaminated air, and the patient's own skin flora.

Despite advancements in surgical techniques and infection-preventionmethods, surgical-site infections (SSIs) persist. As used herein, theterm surgical “site” is used to mean the location on the patient wheresurgery is being performed (e.g., the surgical wound). Squames, or skinflakes or scales, are one of the primary sources of bacteria-causingSSIs transmitted to the surgical site through the air. Numerous squamesare generated in a typical surgical procedure, despite hygiene-relatedprevention measures. SSIs can cause morbidity, extended hospital stays,extended post-operative recovery, and even mortality.

To address the contaminate spread, some surgical suites are equippedwith systems utilizing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtersand air handlers equipped with conditioning, re-heating devices, andhumidity control. However, SS's caused by self-contaminating squames andpathogen introduction are not necessarily prevented by increasingfiltering and the flow of air within the surgical suite. Increasedairflow in a surgical suite may dilute site-specific contamination, butwill result in the spread of contaminants throughout the surgical suite,which are often transmitted to subsequent patients using the surgicalsuite. The contaminants may also enter hallways and land on surgicalequipment for use on other patients. Further, increasing general airflowwill result in entraining the contaminants around the patient.

Furthermore, surgical suites often include a multitude of obstructionsto the airflow. The obstructions may include arrays of monitor screensclosely positioned around patients, separate screens reading out thepatient vitals, fluoroscope heads to render images, and sometimes twofluoroscope heads to provide 3D imaging, surgical lights positioned overpatients, rings of carts with monitoring equipment of various heightsand sizes, and large anesthetic dispensing machines connected to theceiling. Additionally, surgeons may be attended by other doctors,residents, scrub nurses or other technicians, and anesthesiologists, whoall cluster around the surgical suite.

Such obstructions can interfere with the airflow around the patient.Furthermore, such a setup may create a static pressure pocket ofstagnant air over and around the patient. In addition, eddies ofsemi-sterile air often travel across the procedure surface area afterpassing over unclean equipment surfaces. Further, personnel andequipment entering and leaving through doors of surgical suites canchange the pressures of the surgical suites from positive to negativemany times during the course of an operation. This added turbulence alsodisrupts the airflow.

The background discussion is intended to provide information related tothe present invention which is not necessarily prior art.

SUMMARY

The present invention solves the above-described problems and otherproblems by providing an improved system for providing laminar airflowover an operating platform having a base.

A system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention broadly comprises an airflow delivery apparatus and a returninlet. The airflow delivery apparatus is positioned above the operatingplatform and includes a lighting assembly and a plurality of vents. Thelighting assembly is configured to direct light toward the operatingplatform. The vents are positioned around the light source and areconfigured to direct airflow toward the operating platform.

The return inlet is positioned on the base of the operating platform andis configured to receive airflow from around the operating platform. Bybeing positioned on the base of the operating platform, the system isconfigured to provide laminar airflow across the operating platform,thereby more effectively removing contaminants, such as squames. Becausethe airflow is introduced in conjunction with lighting directly abovethe patient from the airflow delivery apparatus, the airflow is lesslikely to be obstructed. Thus, the airflow from the airflow deliveryapparatus to the return inlet is more laminar and consistent.

The above-described system may also additionally or alternativelycomprise a second airflow delivery apparatus positioned above theoperating platform. The second airflow delivery apparatus includes aframe and a second plurality of vents. The frame is positioned above theoperating platform and includes a channel for receiving airflow. Thesecond plurality of vents is connected to the channel and configured toreceive the airflow from the channel and direct the airflow toward aperimeter of the operating platform. The airflow from the frame towardthe perimeter and to the return inlet acts as an air curtain surroundingthe operating platform that prevents contaminates outside the perimeterof the operating platform from entering an operating field.

The above-described system may also comprise a second return inlet and areturn plenum positioned in the base of the operating platform. Thereturn plenum includes a duct, an inlet fan, a discharge outlet, and aparticulate filter. The duct is connected to the return inlets. Theinlet fan is positioned in the duct and configured to pull airflow intothe duct through the return inlets. The discharge outlet is alsoconnected to the duct. The filter is positioned between the dischargeoutlet and the return inlets so that the airflow from the return inletsto the discharge outlet is filtered. The return plenum enhances laminarairflow around the operating platform by not creating a pressure vacuum,which could disrupt the airflow.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method of providing laminarairflow over an operating table. The method broadly comprises directingairflow toward the operating platform via an airflow delivery apparatuspositioned above the operating platform, the airflow delivery apparatusincluding a lighting assembly configured to direct light toward theoperating table, and a plurality of vents positioned along an outerradius around the light source and configured to direct the airflowtoward the operating table. The method further comprises extractingairflow from around the operating platform through a return inletpositioned on the base of the operating platform.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspectsand advantages of the present invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanyingdrawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below withreference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a system for providing laminarairflow over an operating platform constructed in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an airflow delivery apparatus,which is included as part of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a side sectional view of an articulating arm of the apparatusof FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the articulating arm taken along the line3B-3B of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of an airflow delivery apparatus ofthe system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an operating platform shown with thesystem of FIG. 1, with the operating platform including a base with areturn plenum;

FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of a system for providing laminarairflow over an operating platform constructed in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of an airflow delivery apparatus,which is included as part of the system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a micro-delivery apparatus of theairflow delivery apparatus of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an elevated perspective view of a system constructed inaccordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an elevated perspective view of a return plenum that may formpart of the system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the return plenum ofFIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing laminarairflow around an operating platform according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specificembodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of the invention references theaccompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describeaspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized andchanges can be made without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is definedonly by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents towhich such claims are entitled.

In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or“embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to areincluded in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separatereferences to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” inthis description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and arealso not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Forexample, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment mayalso be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included.Thus, the present technology can include a variety of combinationsand/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

Turning to FIG. 1, a system 10 for providing laminar airflow over anoperating platform 12 constructed in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention is illustrated. In certain embodiments, the system10 broadly comprises the surgical platform 12, an airflow deliveryapparatus 20, a return plenum 22, and an air handler 24. The operatingplatform 12 may be any platform used for performing surgery, such as anoperating table or the like. The operating platform 12 includes a base14 supporting a top surface 16 and may be positioned in a surgical suite18, such as an emergency room (ER), an operating room (OR), multipleER/OR rooms, a mobile surgical facility, or the like. In someembodiments, the operating platform 12 may be mobile (e.g., with wheelsextending from the base 14), such that the operating platform 12 can bemoved into and out of the surgical suite 18 for cleaning, maintenance,and the like. For instance, after performing a surgery, the operatingplatform 12 may be removed from the surgical suite 18 for cleaning anddisinfection. Thereafter, the operating platform 12 may be moved backinto the surgical suite 18, where it can be locked down into place forthe next surgery. To help facilitate the mobility of the operatingplatform 12, in some embodiments, the operating platform will includeconnection components (e.g., hook-ups) for connecting the operatingplatform 12 with external electrical and air/pneumatic sources.

A patient, or a body part of the patient, may be positioned within anoperating field extending above the top surface 16 of the operatingplatform 12. As used herein, the term “operating field” is used to meanan area on or above the operating platform 12, in which a patient ispositioned and in which a surgeon (or other medical personnel) performssurgery (or another medical procedure).

The airflow delivery apparatus 20 may provide and direct both light andairflow toward the top surface 16 of the operating platform 12.Specifically, as discussed in more detail below, the airflow deliveryapparatus 20 will be configured to direct a laminar airflow through theoperating field while surgery is being performed on a patient. Turningto FIGS. 2-4, the airflow delivery apparatus 20 may include a support 26attached to a ceiling 28 of the surgical suite 18, an articulating arm30 attached to the support 26, and a housing 32 attached to the arm 30.The support 26 may be configured to receive filtered airflow via one ormore conduit 38 above the ceiling 28 as well as to receive electricalwiring 40. The conduit 38 may be in communication with the return plenum22, the air handler 24, and/or another source of filtered airflow. Theelectrical wiring 40 may be one or more wire, cable, or the like, suchas a power cord that provides electricity to the air-flow deliveryapparatus 20, that is positioned above the ceiling 28. The support 26may include an opening 42 for receiving the airflow, conduit 38, and/orwiring 40.

While FIG. 1 depicts the support 26 attached to the ceiling 28, it isforeseen that the airflow delivery apparatus 20 may be suspended abovethe operating platform 12 using other means without departing from thescope of the present invention. Nevertheless, in some embodiments, theairflow delivery apparatus 20 being positioned on the ceiling 28 of thesurgical suite 18 may be beneficial so as to provide for a clean,unobstructed airflow to and around the patient. Specifically, theairflow delivery apparatus 20 may be located directly above the patient(as would be positioned on the operating platform 12), such that thearea between the patient and the airflow delivery apparatus 20 (e.g.,the operating field) can be kept clear for the surgeon to work. Thisclear space is also beneficial for channeling airflow in a laminarmanner, by assuring a clear air passage from the airflow deliveryapparatus 20 to the patient and/or to the surgical site of the patient.

The articulating arm 30 enables the housing 32 to move relative to theoperating platform 12 and includes one or more hollow tubes 44 attachedto one or more joint 46. The articulating arm 30 may be pivotallyattached to the support 26 via one or more joint 46. The one or morehollow tubes 44 may also be connected to each other via the one or morejoints 46. As shown in FIG. 3B, the hollow tubes 44 may include achannel 48 that directs the airflow to the housing 32 and that housesthe wiring 40. In some embodiments, the hollow tubes 44 (as well asother components of the system 10) may be formed from stainless steel,polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or various other materials that can be easilycleaned and/or disinfected. In some specific embodiments, the hollowtubes 44 may be about 4 to 8 inches in diameter, about 5 to 7 inches indiameter, or 6 inches in diameter.

The housing 32 includes a pressurized air shroud 50, one or morepassages 52, a lighting assembly 34, and a plurality of vents 36. Theair shroud 50 is in communication with the channel 48 so that air fromthe channel 48 is directed into the air shroud 50. In some embodiments,the air received by the air shroud 50 (e.g., from the air handler 24)may be received at a volumetric flow rate of about 100 to 200 cubic feetper minute (CFM), about 125 to 175 CFM, or 150 CFM. The passages 52 arein communication with the air shroud 50 and extend from the air shroud50 to the plurality of vents 36 so that the airflow is directed from thechannel 48 to the air shroud 50, and from the air shroud 50 through thepassages 52 to the plurality of vents 36.

The lighting assembly 34 is connected to the wiring 40 and directselectricity to one or more light sources 54. The lighting assembly 34may include one or more drivers (not shown), such as an AC-DC converter,for converting power received from the wiring 40 so that it may powerthe light sources 54. The light sources 54 may be centered on a bottomsurface 56 of the housing 32. The light sources 54 may be any deviceconfigured to emit light, such as a bulb, LED, etc.

The plurality of vents 36 directs airflow from the passages 52 towardthe top surface 16 of the operating platform 12. As shown in FIG. 4, theplurality of vents 36 may be positioned around the light sources 54along a radius 58 that circumscribes the light sources 54. The vents 36may include adjustable vanes 60 for modifying the airflow through thevents 36. In some embodiments, the airflow delivery apparatus 20 will beconfigured such that the vents 36 emit airflow at a volumetric flow rateof about 10 to 100 CFM, about 20 to 70 CFM, or about 30 to 50 CFM. As aresult, the airflow delivery apparatus 20 can direct a laminar airflowthrough the operating field on onto the patient so as to create a 30 to50 CFM clean air screen and/or vertical air curtain functioning toseparate the patient from contaminants found natively in the surgicalsuite 18, as well as generated from the patient's own dermis in thecourse of a surgical procedure.

Turning to FIG. 5, the return plenum 22 is configured to receive theairflow around the operating platform 12 and is positioned in the base14 of the operating platform 12. The return plenum 22 may present abox-like structure and includes a filter 62, such as a high-efficiencyparticulate air (HEPA) filter, one, two, three, four, or more return(e.g., return inlets 64, 65, 66, 67) located on the sides 68, 69, 70, 71of the base 14 of the operating platform 12, and an outlet 72. In someembodiments, the return plenum 22 and/or the return inlets 64, 65, 66,67 may be spaced above the floor of the surgical suite 18. For example,in some embodiments, the plenum 22 and/or the return inlets 64, 65, 66,67 may be spaced above the floor about 2 to 12 inches, about 4 to 10inches, or about 8 inches.

The filter 62 is configured to filter air traveling into and/or throughthe return plenum 22. As used herein, the term filtering is generallymeant to comprise HEPA filtering, which broadly provides for air to befiltered of generally any type of particulate that may exist in theoperating suite 18 (e.g., dust, microbials, etc.) and/or that may begenerated during surgery (e.g., squames). In some embodiments, thefilter 62 may be easily removable/re-insertable from/to the returnplenum 22 so as to facilitate efficient cleaning and replacement of thefilter 62. The return inlets 64, 65, 66, 67 may include one or morelouvers 74 for modifying the airflow traveling into the inlets 64, 65,66, 67. The airflow from the vents 36 travels through the operatingfield above the top surface 16 of the operating platform 12 and then isdrawn into the negatively-pressurized return plenum 22 through thereturn inlets 64, 65, 66, 67. The filter 62 may be positioned betweenthe inlets 64, 65, 66, 67 and the outlet 72 so that the air is filteredbefore exiting through the outlet 72. The outlet 72 may be incommunication with the conduit 38 and/or the air handler 24 so as tore-circulate the airflow to the airflow delivery apparatus 20.

The air handler 24 is configured to condition fresh airflow and/orairflow from the return plenum 22 and direct the conditioned airflowback to the airflow delivery apparatus 20. The air handler 24 mayinclude one or more of: HEPA filters, fresh air inlets, air conditioningunits (i.e., to reduce the temperature of the airflow provided to theairflow delivery apparatus 20), heaters (i.e., to increase thetemperature of the airflow provided to the airflow delivery apparatus20), humidifiers, de-humidifiers, and humidity control systems.

An exemplary way to use the above-described system 10 will now bedescribed. The air handler 24 may initially condition airflow (e.g.,HEPA filter, add fresh air, modify the temperature, modify the humidity,etc.) and direct it through conduit 38 to the airflow delivery apparatus20 via one or more blowers (not shown). The conditioned airflow travelsthrough conduit 38 and to the support 26 of the airflow deliveryapparatus 20. The airflow then travels through the opening 42 of thesupport 26 and through the channel 48 of the articulating arm 30 to theair shroud 50 of the housing 32. The airflow then passes the air shroud50 and is directed through the passages 52 of the housing 32 to thevents 36.

The vanes 60 of the vents 36 direct the airflow toward the operatingplatform 12 (e.g., at 30 to 50 CFM), and the return plenum 22 receivesthe airflow traveling down around the operating platform 12 through thereturn inlets 64, 65, 66, 67. The airflow may be pulled into the plenum22 via fans (not shown) of the air handler 24 and/or the return plenum22. The air handler 24 then conditions and/or filters the airflow fromthe return plenum 22 and directs the airflow back to the airflowdelivery apparatus 20.

The system 10 causes the airflow travelling from the vents 36 to thereturn inlets 64, 65, 66, 67 to be laminar (i.e., smoothly with reduced,minimized, and/or non-existent turbulence or eddies), which minimizesthe chance for squames or other harmful particulates from entering thesurgical site (e.g., an open wound) of the patient. In more detail, theairflow emitted by the airflow delivery apparatus 20 is configured to begenerally smooth, with consistent pressure and velocity. Such airflow isdirected towards and passes through the operating field and over thepatient being operated on within the operating field. In someembodiments, the airflow will be directed specifically over the surgicalsite of the patient. As the airflow passes through the operating field,the airflow remains laminar (e.g., without turbulence, eddies, swirling)due in part to the return plenum 22 on the base 14 of the operatingplatform 12 creating a negatively pressurized duct within which theairflow can be extracted. As a result, embodiments of the presentinvention minimize the exposure time of the patient to particulates inthe air, and inhibits random turbulent flow of entrained squames thatmight linger around the patient and potentially enter the surgical siteof the patient. As such, embodiments of the present invention can reducethe probability of re-entrainment of squames in a surgical wound.

For mobile surgical suites 18 located in hot and humid climates, thesystem 10 may be configured to keep the space around the operatingplatform 12 cooler. This enables the air away from the operatingplatform 12 in the surgical suite 18 to be warmer, which reduces a loadon the air handler 24.

A system 10A constructed in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 6. The system 10A may comprisesimilar components as system 10; thus, the components of system 10A thatcorrespond to similar components in system 10 have an ‘A’ appended totheir reference numerals.

The airflow delivery apparatus 20A of the system 10A additionally oralternatively includes a plurality of supports 26A connected to theceiling 28A, a plurality of arms 30A attached to the supports 26A, aframe 32A attached to the arms 30A, a lighting assembly 34A supported onthe frame 32A, a plurality of vents 36A located on the frame 32A, andone or more micro-delivery devices 76A. One or more of the supports 26Aare configured to receive filtered airflow via one or more conduit 38Aabove the ceiling 28A. One or more of the supports 26A may also beconfigured to receive electrical wiring 40A. The one or more supports26A may be configured to receive the airflow and/or wiring 40A throughan opening 42A.

The plurality of arms 30A are pivotably attached to the plurality ofsupports 26A via one or more joints 46A and are configured to linearlyexpand, such as telescopically. The joints 46A may be located at eachend of the arms 30A so that the arms 30A are also pivotally attached tothe frame 32A. The joints 46A may be gimbals, ball-and-socket joints, orthe like. The arms 30A may be configured to linearly expand via ahydraulic, electrical, and/or mechanical system. One or more of the arms30A may include a channel 48A for receiving the electrical wiring 40Aand/or the airflow from the one or more of the plurality of supports 26Ahaving an opening 42A. The channel 48A may be configured to direct theairflow and/or wiring 40A to the frame 32A.

The frame 32A is pivotably connected to the plurality of arms 30A andmay have the same size and/or shape as a perimeter of the top surface16A of the operating platform 12A. The frame 32A includes hollow members44A having passages 52A for housing the electrical wiring 40A anddirecting the airflow from the plurality of arms 30A to the lightingassembly 34A and the plurality of vents 36A. In some embodiments, theair received by the frame 32A (e.g., from the air handler 24A) may bereceived at a volumetric flow rate of about 100 to 200 CFM, about 125 to175 CFM, or 150 CFM. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the hollowmembers 44A may be formed from stainless steel and may be about 4 to 8inches in diameter, about 5 to 7 inches in diameter, or 6 inches indiameter. The frame 32A may be manually or electrically repositionableso that it can be suspended at a plurality of orientations relative tothe operating platform 12A.

In general, the airflow delivery apparatus 20A will be positioned on theceiling 28A of the surgical suite 18A so as to provide for a clean,unobstructed airflow around the patient. Specifically, the airflowdelivery apparatus 20A may be located directly above the patient (aspositioned on the operating platform 12A), such that the area betweenthe patient and the airflow delivery apparatus 20A (e.g., the operatingfield) can be kept clear for the surgeon to work. This clear space isalso beneficial for channeling airflow in a laminar manner around theoperating field so as to create an air screen to shield the patient.Specifically, in some embodiments, the frame 32A will configured with asize and shape that corresponds with (e.g., matches) the size and shapeof the operating platform 12A so as to emit a laminar airflow around theoperating field to separate the patient from contaminants foundthroughout the surgical suite 18. For example, in some specificembodiments, the operating platform 12A will have dimensions of aboutthree feet by six feet (while the surgical suite 18 itself may havedimensions about twenty feet by thirty feet). As such, the frame 32A ofthe airflow delivery apparatus 20A can similarly have a size of aboutthree feet by six feet so as to mimic the size of the operating platform18 to thereby create a laminar airflow shield around the operatingplatform 18.

The lighting assembly 34A is connected to the wiring 40A and directselectricity to one or more light sources 54A. The lighting assembly 34Amay include one or more driver (not shown), such as an AC-DC converter,for converting power received from the wiring 40A so that it may powerthe one or more light sources 54A. The one or more light sources 54A maybe positioned on a bottom surface 56A of the frame 32A. The one or morelight sources 54A may be variable light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and/orgermicidal lighting, such as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lights(e.g., UV-C). In some embodiments, the ultraviolet germicidalirradiation lights may be configured to emit ultraviolet light withwavelengths between 200-280 nanometers. When using such ultravioletgermicidal irradiation lights, the surgeons and/or the patient (as wellas other personnel within the surgical suite 18) may be required to wearprotective clothing and eyewear, as such light may damage the skinand/or the eyes. In some specific embodiments, the lighting assembly 34Amay be configured to be activated only when the surgical suite 18 isunoccupied so as to kill unwanted microorganisms without causing harm topersonnel.

In even further embodiments, the ultraviolet germicidal irradiationlights may be positioned within the conduits 38A so as provideadditional germicidal action to the air handler 24. Such embodiments maybe beneficial, as the ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lights withinthe conduits 38A could be run twenty-four hours a day without fear ofharm to medical personnel or patients. In further embodiments, theultraviolet germicidal irradiation lights may be positioned so as todirect ultraviolet light on the air handler's 24 condenser and coilunits to prevent mold and bacteria growth, particularly in hot and humidenvironments.

The plurality of vents 36A direct airflow from the passages 52A of theframe 32A to the perimeter of the top surface 16A of the operatingplatform 12A. The plurality of vents 36A may be alternatingly positionedwith the one or more light sources 54A. The vents 36A may include vanes60A for modifying the airflow through the vents 36A. In someembodiments, the airflow delivery apparatus 20A will be configured suchthat the vents 36A emit airflow at a volumetric flow rate of about 10 to100 CFM, about 20 to 70 CFM, or about 30 to 50 CFM. As a result, theairflow delivery apparatus 20A can direct a laminar airflow in the shapeof an air shield/screen or curtain around the operating field at avolumetric flow rate of about 30 to 50 CFM. Such laminar air flow isconfigured to provide a clean air shield/screen and/or vertical aircurtain that functions to separate the operating field from contaminantsfound natively in the surgical suite 18, as was previously described.

Turning to FIG. 8, the micro-delivery devices 76A are configured topermit manually-adjustable airflow and may provide airflow laterallyacross the operating field on the top surface 16A in order to notentrain squames when surgery is performed. The micro-delivery devices76A may be in communication with one or more of the vents 36A and maycomprise one or more articulating tubes 78A, one or more joints 80A, andan outlet valve 82A. The articulating tube 78A attaches to the frame 32Awhere a vent 36A is located so that airflow is directed through the tube78A and to the outlet valve 82A. The articulating tubes 78A may bemanually adjustable by a user (e.g., a surgeon), such that themicro-delivery devices 76A can be positioned and repositioned as neededwithin or adjacent to the operating field. For example, the outlet ofthe micro-delivery device 76A may be positioned so as to direct airflowdirectly across the surgical site of the patient. The outlet valve 82Ais generally positioned at the end of the micro-delivery device 76A(e.g., at the outlet) so as to form a snorkel. The outlet valve 82A maybe configured to be adjustable so as to control the speed, temperature,volume, and direction of the airflow as the airflow exits themicro-delivery devices 76A. The joints 80A permit the micro-deliverydevice 76A to be positioned in various configurations and positions, asmay be required by the user (e.g., a surgeon). In some additionalembodiments, the micro-delivery devices 76A may include anadjustable/focusable light source (e.g., positioned adjacent to or onthe outlet valve 82A) to permit the surgeon to direct light where neededduring surgery (e.g., directly at the surgical site on the patient).

An exemplary way to use the above-described system 10A will now bedescribed. The airflow delivery apparatus 20A may be used with theairflow delivery apparatus 20 or with standard surgical lighting. Theairflow delivery apparatus 20A receives filtered air from one or moreconduit 38A, the air handler 24A, and/or the return plenum 22A. Thefiltered airflow travels through the opening 42A of one or more of thesupports 26A and through the channel 48A of one or more of the arms 30A.The channel 48A of one or more of the arms 30A directs the airflow tothe frame 32A. The airflow travels through the passages 52A of the frame32A and out the vents 36A. The vanes 60A may be used to adjust theairflow emitted from the vents 36A and direct it at a perimeter of thetop surface 16A of the operating platform 12A. The frame 32A may berepositioned (e.g., via actuation of the arms 30A) to a desiredorientation relative to the operating platform 12A. Thus, the positionof the airflow delivery apparatus 20A can be changed as necessary toensure that the generated air curtain appropriately encloses theoperating field. As such, the airflow from the vents 36A can beconfigured to create an air curtain that surrounds the patient andpersonnel to prevent contaminants from above and outside the perimeterof the top surface 16 from entering the into the operating filed. Bypreventing contaminants from entering the operating field, the chancefor contaminants (e.g., squames) or other particulates from entering thesurgical site of the patient can be minimized.

Some of the airflow may also travel to the one or more micro-deliverydevice 76A. The airflow exits one or more vent 36A and enters thearticulating tube 78A. The airflow travels through the tube 78A, and ifthe outlet valve 82A is open, the airflow is emitted from themicro-delivery device 76A in the direction provided by the outlet valve82A. The airflow may be emitted from the outlet valve 82A in anydirection, as positioned by the user (e.g., the surgeon). For instance,the airflow from the outlet valve 82A may be emitted laterally over theoperating field on the top surface 16 of the operating platform 12A, orover the operating area on the patient. Lateral airflow may be used toprevent squames and other contaminates from contaminating an open woundon a patient positioned on the operating platform 12A.

Airflow around and below the top surface 16A is then drawn into theinlets 64A, 65A, 66A, 67A of the return plenum 22A. The airflow may thenbe filtered via the filter 62A and/or the air handler 24A and returnedto the airflow delivery apparatus 20A via one or more conduit 38A.

A system 10B constructed in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 9. The system 10B may comprisesimilar components as system 10A; thus, the components of system 10Bthat correspond to similar components in system 10A have a ‘B’ appendedto their reference numerals.

The return plenum 22B of the system 10B additionally or alternativelyincludes a duct 84B and a pair of inlet fans 86B, 88B. The return inlets64B, 66B of plenum 22B are positioned at each end 90B, 92B of theoperating platform 12B below the top surface 16B. The duct 84B isconnected to and extends from one return inlet 64B to the other returninlet 66B. The duct 84B diverges away from the inlets 64B, 66B toward acenter region 94B. The diverging duct 84B is configured to preventairflow from forming a vacuum in the plenum 22B, which could possiblycreate an unwanted back pressure that would affect the laminar airflowfrom the vents 36B. The inlet fans 86B, 88B are positioned in the duct84B next to each inlet fan 64B, 66B and are configured to pull airflowinto the duct 84B through the inlets 86B, 88B. It is foreseen that theplenum 22B may include any number of fan configurations, such as aconfiguration having only one fan positioned adjacent the outlet 72B,without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such fans (oradditional fans) may also be positioned elsewhere within the duct 84B soas to ensure laminar airflow. The fans may, according to variousembodiments, be powered via electricity provided through the connectioncomponents (e.g., hook-ups) on the base 14 of the operating platform 12.

The filter 62B (which may comprise a HEPA filter) is positioned betweenthe discharge the inlets 64B, 66B and the outlet 72B so that the airflowfrom the inlets 64B, 66B to the discharge outlet 72B is filtered. Thefilter 62B may be positioned just above the outlet 72B and below thecenter region 94B of the duct 84B. However, it is foreseen that theplenum 22B may include any number of filter configurations, such ashaving two filters positioned adjacent the inlets 64B, 66B, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, certainembodiments of the plenum 22B may include more than the two inlets 64B,66B. For instance, in some embodiments, the plenum 22B may becross-shaped so as to include second duct extending perpendicular to thethe duct 84B. The second duct may include a third and a fourth returninlet (not shown) positioned 90 degrees away from the return inlets 64B,66B.

The discharge outlet 72B is positioned between the inlets 64B, 66B andincludes one or more louvers 96B. The louvers 96B may direct the airflowto one or more conduit 38B and/or back into the surgical suite 18B inthe direction of other return plenums 98B positioned on lower portionsof the walls of the surgical suite 18B.

An exemplary way to use the above-described system 10B will now bedescribed. The inlet fans 86B, 88B are configured to pull airflow intothe plenum 22B at a desired speed, such as about two meters per second(about 6.56 feet per second). The diverging duct 84B is configured tocause the velocity of the airflow to reduce. For example, the velocityof the airflow in the duct 84B may be reduced to about 1.2 meters persecond (about 3.94 feet per second) by the time the airflow reaches thecenter region 94B of the duct 84B. At the center region 94B, airflowfrom the inlets 64B, 66B collides and drops down toward the filter 62B.

For airflow to pass through the filter 62B, the airflow in the centerregion 94B requires pressure potential or head. The pressure potentialbuilds as the velocity of the airflow drops, and the air fills theentire center region 94B above the filter 62B. The airflow above thefilter 62B passes through the filter 62B once it achieves enoughpressure potential to pass through the filter 62B. The airflow exitsthrough the outlet 72B at a slow velocity, such as around 0.1 to 0.3meters per second (0.33 to 0.98 feet per second). The louvers 96B may beangled at 45 degrees to enable low velocity air to disperse into thesurgical suite 18 and then flow toward pre-existing wall-mounted returnplenums 98B without entering the operating field around the patient.

In addition to, or in conjunction with, the components of the systems10, 10A, 10B discussed above, embodiments of the present inventioninclude methods for providing laminar airflow. For example, the flowchart of FIG. 12 depicts the steps of an exemplary method 1000 ofproviding laminar airflow over an operating platform. In someimplementations, the functions noted in the various blocks may occur outof the order depicted in FIG. 12. For example, two blocks shown insuccession in FIG. 12 may in fact be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder depending upon the functionality involved. In addition, some stepsmay be optional.

The method 1000 is described below, for ease of reference, as beingexecuted by exemplary devices and components introduced with theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-11. In some specific embodiments, forexample, the steps of the method 1000 may be performed by the componentsof the systems 10, 10A, 10B through the utilization of processors,transceivers, hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof.However, some of such actions may be distributed differently among suchdevices or other devices without departing from the spirit of thepresent invention. Control of the systems 10, 10A, 10B may also bepartially implemented with computer programs stored on one or morecomputer-readable medium(s). The computer-readable medium(s) may includeone or more executable programs stored thereon, wherein the program(s)instruct one or more processing elements to perform all or certain ofthe steps outlined herein. The program(s) stored on thecomputer-readable medium(s) may instruct processing element(s) toperform additional, fewer, or alternative actions, including thosediscussed elsewhere herein.

Referring to step 1001, filtered airflow from the air handler 24 isdirected to the airflow delivery apparatus 20, 20A via one or moreconduit 38. The filtered airflow may be conditioned by cooling, heating,dehumidifying, humidifying, or the like via the air handler 24. Theconduit 38 may be positioned in the ceiling 28 of the surgical suite 18.

Referring to step 1002, once the airflow reaches the airflow deliveryapparatus 20, 20A, it is directed toward the operating platform 12 viathe airflow delivery apparatus 20. This step may include directingairflow to the operating platform 12 using both apparatus 20 andapparatus 20A. The airflow may be directed toward a perimeter of the topsurface 16A via the airflow delivery apparatus 20A. This step mayinclude positioning the airflow delivery apparatus 20, 20A in a desiredposition via the articulating arm 30 and/or the jointed arms 30A. Thisstep may also include directing the airflow to the operating platform12A via the one or more micro-delivery device 76A.

Referring to step 1003, the airflow around the operating platform 12 ispulled in through the one or more return inlets 64, 65, 66, 67, 64B, 66Band into the return plenum 22, 22B positioned in the base 14. Thisproduces laminar airflow over the operating platform 12. The airflow maybe drawn into the plenum 22, 22B via one or more fan of the air handler24 and/or the inlet fans 86B, 88B.

Referring to step 1004, the airflow in the plenum 22, 22B is recycled.Such recycling may include filtering particulates (e.g., squames) andother contaminates from the airflow. The airflow may be pushed downthrough the filter 62, 62B in the plenum or through a filter in the airhandler 24. As such, during such recycling of step 1004, the airflow canbe filtered from all particulates that may have been collected (e.g.,squames) as the airflow traveled from the airflow delivery apparatus 20,20A to the plenum 22, 22B. The airflow may be mixed with fresh air fromoutside the surgical suite 18 and together/separately conditioned and/orfiltered. Once the airflow has been conditioned and/or filtered, theairflow may be directed back to the airflow delivery apparatus 20, 20Avia the one or more conduit 38.

Although the invention has been described with reference to theembodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is notedthat equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.

Having thus described various embodiments of the invention, what isclaimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includesthe following:
 1. A system for providing laminar airflow over anoperating platform having a base, the system comprising: an airflowdelivery apparatus positioned above the operating platform andincluding— a lighting assembly configured to direct light towards theoperating platform, and a plurality of vents configured to directairflow toward the operating platform; and a return inlet positioned onthe base of the operating platform and configured to receive airflowfrom around the operating platform.
 2. The system of claim 1, theairflow delivery apparatus including a frame positioned above theoperating platform that supports the lighting assembly and the pluralityof vents.
 3. The system of claim 2, the airflow delivery apparatusincluding a plurality of supports configured to receive air, and aplurality of arms pivotably attached to the supports and configured tolinearly expand, at least one of the arms including a channel fordirecting the airflow from its respective support to the plurality ofvents.
 4. The system of claim 1, the lighting assembly of the airflowdelivery apparatus including an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lightsource.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the frame of the airflowdelivery apparatus forms a shape that corresponds with the perimeter ofthe operating platform.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the returninlet is a first return inlet and is positioned on a first end of theoperating platform, further comprising— a second return inlet positionedon the base on a second end of the operating platform and configured toreceive airflow around the operating platform, and a return plenumpositioned in the base of the operating platform, the return plenumincluding a duct extending from the first return inlet to the secondreturn inlet.
 7. The system of claim 6, the return plenum includinglouvers positioned in the first return inlet and the second return inletfor modifying airflow entering the return plenum.
 8. The system of claim6, the return plenum including an inlet fan positioned in the duct andconfigured to pull airflow into the duct.
 9. The system of claim 6, thereturn plenum including a discharge outlet connected to the duct, and afilter positioned between the discharge outlet and the return inlet andthe second return inlet so that the airflow travelling through thedischarge outlet is filtered.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein theairflow delivery apparatus and the discharge outlet are connected viaone or more conduits.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the ductdiverges from the first return inlet and the second return inlet towarda center region of the duct.
 12. The system of claim 1, the airflowdelivery apparatus including a support configured to receive the airflowand electrical wiring, an articulating arm connected to the support andhaving a channel for housing the electrical wiring and directing theairflow, and a housing connected to the articulating arm and supportingthe light assembly and the plurality of vents, the housing havingpassages that direct the airflow received from the channel of thearticulating arm to the plurality of vents.
 13. The system of claim 1,wherein the airflow delivery apparatus is configured to generate alaminar airflow over a patient positioned on a top of the operatingplatform, wherein the laminar airflow minimizes exposure time of thepatient to harmful particulates present in the environment, therebyreducing the probability of re-entrainment in a surgical wound.
 14. Asystem for providing laminar airflow over an operating platform having atop surface and a base, the system comprising: an airflow deliveryapparatus positioned above the operating platform and including— aplurality of supports configured to secure the airflow deliveryapparatus above the operating platform, a plurality of arms pivotablyattached to the plurality of supports and configured to linearly expand,a frame pivotably connected to the plurality of arms, a lightingassembly positioned on the frame and configured to direct light towardthe operating platform, and a plurality of vents positioned along theframe and configured to direct airflow toward the operating platform;and a return inlet positioned on the base of the operating platform andconfigured to receive airflow.
 15. The system of claim 14, the airflowdelivery apparatus including a manually-adjustable micro-delivery deviceattached to and extending from the frame and including an outlet valveconfigured to deliver airflow.
 16. The system of claim 15, themicro-delivery device including an articulating tube.
 17. The system ofclaim 14, the frame having a same shape as a perimeter of the topsurface of the operating platform.
 18. The system of claim 14, whereinthe airflow delivery apparatus is configured to generate a laminarairflow over a patient positioned on a top of the operating platform,wherein the laminar airflow minimizes exposure time of the patient toharmful particulates present in the environment, thereby reducing theprobability of re-entrainment in a surgical wound.
 19. A method forproviding laminar airflow over an operating platform having a base, themethod comprising the steps of: directing airflow toward the operatingplatform via an airflow delivery apparatus positioned above theoperating platform, wherein the airflow delivery apparatus includes— alighting assembly configured to direct light toward the operatingplatform, and a plurality of vents and configured to direct the airflowtoward the operating table; and pulling airflow from around theoperating platform through a return inlet positioned on the base of theoperating platform.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the return inletis part of a return plenum that comprises a fan, and further includingfiltering the airflow from the return plenum via a filter, and directingthe filtered airflow to the airflow delivery apparatus via one or moreconduits.